Portable hot tubs are now getting popular which is the reason why you can already find lots of these products on the market. So to help you make the right choice, then you can read reviews in TubHQ. This will make it easier for you to decide what particular hot tub is perfect for your needs especially if it is for therapeutic purposes. You don’t have to focus on the price alone but you also have to check the features.
We spent 43 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top selections for this wiki. Bring the relaxing luxury of a spa to your own backyard, patio, or deck with one of these inflatable hot tubs. They are portable, easy to install, and just as easy to pack away when you need to have your space back, so you can unwind at any time. We've ranked our selection by ease of installation, heat-up time, features, and durability. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. Skip to the best inflatable hot tub on Amazon.
The Lay-Z-Spa comes with a fitted top cover, made of the same green faux-leather material that covers the outside of the tub. A foil lining helps the top cover to better retain heat, and an inflatable disc sits atop the tub, underneath the fitted cover. Around the outside of the tub you’ll find several clips to secure the cover, as well as built-in handles for repositioning the inflated tub before filling it with water.
Because it takes a long time to heat, it’s expected to consume more energy. However, that’s only one of the reasons why inflatable hot tubs might not be an energy- saver. It also depends on how often, and when you’re using it and whether you use a small one or one for 6 persons. When used outside, inflatable hot tubs are prone to loose heat faster compared to inside use. Weather conditions surrounding it is also a factor.

There are a lot of differences between these two types of hot tubs that can cause confusion for those that are looking for a solid purchase. Since inflatable hot tubs have come a long way over the years, they are really starting to cover a lot of the features that portable hot tubs have already covered. This means that deciding between the two has become more difficult than ever since they have a lot of the same pros and cons. Neither one is necessarily better than the other, so it isn’t as easy as saying that portable hot tubs are better than inflatable hot tubs. Below is a short guide on how to differentiate between the two when deciding on a purchase so that you can narrow it down to what you really want.

The Bestway SaluSpa Siena AirJet Tub shrinks everything enjoyable about a normal hot tub down into a two-person size. With the smaller profile comes an individualized hot tub experience that features personal water jets, contoured seating and an automatic start-and-stop timer. The shape of the tub is long and narrow, making it easy to fit in smaller spaces and between furniture and other obstacles.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: It’s hard to not to declare this airjet inflatable spa as the right-out winner here and now. It’s fantastic value, seriously affordable (by hot tub standards) and looks very sleek. Because of the price the Lay-Z-Spa Miami is missing some of the fancier accessories and luxury options but f you’re just dipping your toe in the garden spa world for the first time, of your after something small and simple, then this is the winner.
To empty is pretty easy, you fasten your stopper caps to the valves on the inside of the spa, this will stop the water from escaping. Now remove the pump by loosening the connectors and attach a cap to outlet A. (These caps come with hot tub) Fix the hose adapter to your garden hose and attach both to connector B, make sure that the other end of your hose is at the drain then remove the lower cap from the inside of the spa. Once it’s empty make sure you dry it properly before you pack it away.
As you have already concluded on your own after researching with the help of our article, it does not matter whether you use an inflatable or a traditional hot tub as they could be equally resilient to frequent use. However, this only applies when talking about quality models like the SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro which is made with polyester laminated PVC, a puncture resistant material that ensures years of use without any issues being encountered in the meanwhile. Able to fit a maximum of 6 people in it at once, it is the go-to option for those who throw parties in their backyards often. Our personal favorite, the Canadian Spa CSCHTRG29 Rio Grande, is better suited for a more intimate setting as it can fit a maximum of 4 people. Furthermore, it is made with polyester laminated PVC and synthetic leather, a construction that ensures comfort as well as increased durability. On the other hand, if a more budget-friendly option is what you are aiming for, then the Coleman SaluSpa is your ideal pick as it not only comes at a great, cheap price, and can host up to 6 people at once, but it features 120 bubble air jets that make the hot tub experience even more fun.
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Different inflatable tub model will have a different mode of installation so make sure to read the manual prior to assembling the unit. Also make sure to watch installation DVD if included or watch YouTube videos of other customers who have successfully installed their own inflatable hot tubs. If still uncertain and have more questions, you can always call your inflatable hot tub’s customer service hotline.
The best hot tub for you will depend on your requirements – for those looking for long term, energy efficient hot tub that’s built to last, that provides superior hydromassage and comfort – traditional hot tubs can’t be beaten. If you’d just like to try out a hot tub style experience in the short term then an inflatable hot tub might meet your needs.
Most of the inflatable hot tubs have air jets. They are cheaper to manufacture and provide affordable but amazing massage. How come they are so cheap? Well, they reuse the same blower that inflates your spa when setting it up for pushing the air through a hose into a ring on the floor with holes in it. While this doesn’t sound very sophisticated, the massage and tinkling feeling on your skin is actually very pleasant.
Ideal Size for Your Needs Is it for just solo or 2-person dips? Or are you planning on having the whole family enjoy the tub? Its size should suit your plans on how you’re going to use it. What you may realize is that a supposed 6 person portable hot tub is actually a comfy 4 person portable spa. A 4 person hot tub is really a 2 person portable spa, with perhaps 2 small kids. And you don’t want to get a 2 person portable hot tub unless you plan on using it solo.
Without belaboring the importance of maintaining proper water chemistry, be aware that using your spa without the correct sanitizer levels opens you and other bathers up to several health issues that vary in severity from rashes, such as hot tub folliculitis, to the potentially life-threatening Legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.

Inflatables use a 120V electrical outlet. Unfortunately, this translates to a drastically reduced heating power when compared to the hard-side hot tubs. But this should not necessarily be viewed as an issue considering the fact that the water in them can reach quite high temperatures if you do not cheap out and invest in one of the better models on the market. For example, the top of the line SaluSpa Hawaii HydroJet Pro can even reach up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a water temperature that should suffice regardless of your preference.

The Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable 4-Person Hot Tub is an easy-to-use unit that allows up to four people to enjoy a soothing warm water and 60 air jets. Its inflatable 2-handle design allows it to be taken just about anywhere quickly and efficiently. It’s digitally controlled push-button heating unit heats the water up to a warm 104-degrees and can conveniently control the air jets. And although it’s inflatable, it has a sturdy 3-ply PVC design and I-beam construction that ensures that it maintains its integrity. It’s a hot tub that’s perfect for soaking in or enjoying with friends and family.
In a worst case scenario the part that blows up the inflatable hot tub can malfunction, meaning that you’re left with a deflated piece of strong plastic. Portable hot tubs provide a great sense of security in that their main parts are the control panel and the heating element, which are all built into the tub itself. With inflatable hot tubs having a separate heater/blower, it takes something as simple as a person forgetting to pack it or that piece short circuiting to ruin everyone’s fun.
Another important aspect that you have to take into consideration is the hot tub’s seating capacity. What we recommend you go with are tubs that can accommodate 6 people at once, like the Coleman SaluSpa or the Intex 28409E PureSpa Plus Bubble Spa. But if you know that you won’t have that many guests over and that you do not actually need a large seating capacity, it is perfectly fine to go with a model like the Canadian Spa Company CSCHTRG29 Rio Grande as well, a tub that has a seating capacity of 4 persons. All in all, just make sure that you think well about this aspect before you go shopping to not regret your decision later.
This luxurious portable spa is in the mid-price range, but comes with some premium features. As well as its own lighting, the sturdy circular construction is supported by I Beam technology, to give extra stability. The shell and lining are made of extremely durable, puncture resistant material. You can use it outside, or you might want to take it into a more private area.
The salt cell used for saltwater hot tubs is a titanium coated electrolytic cell, which will eventually lose enough of its coating to stop producing enough chlorine. Spa salt cells usually last 2-5 years, depending on the model. At that point, you can replace just the cell (not the power supply). Keeping your cell clean (some models are self-cleaning), and not using it for cold spa water (below 60° F), are key to a long cell life.

Paris is a circle-shaped Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tub, and while it accommodates freely 6 people, it doesn’t include the beach alike set of extra features. The water filtration system here is the standard for tubs, filtering impurities and keeping the water bacteria free, so it will not suit well an implementation by the beach as the system can deteriorate over time. Paris is ideal for pool side, urban ambients, and one of its exclusive features is the set of LED lights to make it even more pleasant and cosy for social gathering by the night during your pool party.

Lay Z Spa, now also known as SaluSpa, are categorized into 3 groups: AirJet, HydroJet, and HydroJet Pro. The AirJet series is their most basic and most affordable models. They have standard water filtration installed and air bubbles for massage jets. The Hydrojet and HydroJet Pro are their high-end models with additional water treatment system and additional massage jet type as well.
Beach Umbrella: If you are setting your hot tub in the open during the summer, a beach umbrella, or sunbrella, can be really a cool add to the set as you will not have to worry about a harsher sun during the midday and, specially, because is not recommended to get into the tub using sunblock. Many beach umbrellas can be set besides the tub and enhance your comfort and ensure your protection against the noxious UVA rays.

One of the best things that inflatable hot tubs come with is excellent flexibility. As a matter of fact, they are not only flexible, you can very easily break it down and move it absolutely anywhere you would like, either in or out of your yard. You not only have to choose between a solid, portable, above ground hot tub model or the in ground model anymore, now there is a better option to buy. If you also consider the inflatable hot tub ratings you will know how much people are enjoying them.

Those of you who would like to enjoy the benefits of a hot tub outside the house will be happy to know that there is such a thing as an ‘outside’ hot tub. These tubs are usually inflatable and as you may have already imagined, they are designed to be used outside, preferably during the summer. Also worth mentioning is that these tubs are usually low maintenance and very easy to install.
The most important element is the number of jets that it comes with. The higher the number, the better because they work together to provide a comforting massage that helps you relax, relieve stress, and soothe the tension in your muscles. Jets come in many types, but they all serve the same purpose, being the most important aspect that people must take into consideration when shopping.
Cartridge System: the more cartridge filters a hot tub implements the better. When you have several filter cartridges the maintenance of the tub gets easier as you don’t have to replace them that often. While this kind of build is more often seen on hot tubs that have big capacity of water and people, whenever you spot them give it special preference. The replacing of cartridges on these tubs can take almost 2 years, a lot of time you save money and the bother.

The Coleman hot tub is made of puncture resistant material on the exterior which is made of 3 layers,2 layers of pvc with a mesh core between them so that is strong and durable. The walls of the tub are made using i-beam construction which gives a rigidity to the sides so you can sit on them without them collapsing under your weight but you still get the comfort factor too.

For most of us, the desire to have your own inflatable hot tub comes when the temperature begins to drop and the weather becomes colder. You long for the times when you could easily lounge in a Jacuzzi at your favorite spa salon. But often, the cost for professional spa treatments can add up over time prompting you to just stay indoors and cozy up next to your heater instead. However, those days are long gone. A practical option available for you now is to purchase your own inflatable portable hot tub.

You might be tempted to think that inflatable tubs are fragile, being easily prone to destruction. But this is not the case, high-end models having a quality construction that ensures they will last for a long time, and that they won’t be punctured easily and get deflated. Best of all, the quality materials used in the fabrication process provide comfort as well. After all, durability is not everything, being very important for them to offer a pleasant, relaxing experience when using them too. Most of the tubs on the market are made of polyester laminated PVC, a material that offers everything you need in terms of durability and comfort.

With a rich tradition of tubs that are manufactured in the United States with cutting-edge technology and affordability, the Coleman brand is recognized as a powerful brand people can trust. The innovation of this brand provides a remarkable 75% retention rating, meaning people will opt for Coleman over a competing brand. That is why 87% of Coleman owners will strongly recommend the brand to others. And no to surprise, their products come with features that provide an eco-friendly purification system, exclusive upgrades and cost-saving technologies.
The soft but non flimsiness of inflatable hot tubs may be a hit or miss depending on the consumer. But a lot of people who have sat in $6000+ hot tubs have actually preferred the softer feel of inflatable tubs to the concrete, plastic and other mashups of portable hot tubs. Inflatable hot tubs are soft but firm, and really provide a relaxing feel compared to portable hot tubs. This is of course based on individual tastes, so take that with a grain of salt. Inflatable hot tubs also inflate and deflate pretty quickly, so that is less time waiting around for it to reach max capacity so you can start filling it with water. But portable hot tubs don’t have this waiting period at all, and if you’re the type that is in a rush that extra time it takes to inflate can really make a difference.
Normal hot tubs can cost upwards of one or two thousand dollars before even including the cost of installation. This is what makes inflatable hot tubs more attractive to people on a budget. To save the most amount of money, however, you may need to give up a few extra perks, like massage jets and water filtration. Unless that is, you choose the Coleman SaluSpa.
Inflatable hot tubs consume a lot of water, up to 250 gallons (almost 1000 L) so people will not be happy changing it every week as the water bill will become quite salty. On the other hand, the same water can’t be used forever, so soon or later you will have to replace it, but it all will depend on how often the inflatable hot tub is used and how well you treat the water.
Although a inflatable spa is a lot lighter than a standard one when full it is still a considerable weight when full; ranging from 1500 lbs for some 4-seater options to 4000 lbs for larger models and then you need to add the weight of the people so if you are considering placing your hot tub on decking it is essential to make sure it is strong enough to take the weight.
Well I got my 6 person Paris spa. I set it up and after doing so I realized that their is no way It will fit 6 adult people like they state. It will fit 2 people sitting side by side with your legs stretched out. You could fit 3 or maybe 4 people if they sit cross legged but that's it. The instructions are OK but not super great. I also used foam square interlocking mats as extra padding on the bottom.

Considering the fact that this hot tub is inflating, thus easy to deflate and store away, you should not take risks and put it in storage during the cold season when it is not in use. If you do happen to need to use it, simply take it out of its storage place, inflate, and use it. Just do not forget to put it back in its rightful place when you are done using it to avoid any damage being done to its construction.

At first, we were unsure of an inflatable hot tub. We were even concerned that it may look cheap or not hold up. I mean you get this vision of someone sitting on the edge and it popping, flooding your backyard during a relaxing time or a fun party. But after doing our research and now becoming owners, well, just let that vision fade away because that is not what these inflatable Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs are all about.